by David Baker (Author)
Designed between 1969 and 1972 and first flown into space in 1981, the NASA Shuttle will have flown almost 140 missions by the time it is retired in 2010. David Baker describes the origin of the reusable launch vehicle concept during the 1960s, its evolution into a viable flying machine in the early 1970s, and its subsequent design, engineering, construction and operation. The Shuttle's internal layout and systems are explained, including the operation of life support, electrical power production, cooling, propulsion, flight control, communications, landing and avionics systems.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 200
Publisher: Haynes Publishing
Published: 07 Apr 2011
ISBN 10: 1844258661
ISBN 13: 9781844258666
'an astrogeek's insider dream' www.sciencebase.com
`detailed insight...wonderful...An inspiring read.' Spaceflight
`a must-have item' BBC Sky At Night Magazine
David Baker joined the US space programme during the Apollo years and later worked on the development of NASA's Shuttle. He has written widely on spaceflight technology and is editor of Aviation News. He lives in Kent.